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Home / Govt Jobs / UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 450+ Vacancies
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UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 450+ Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026 under Notice No. 04/2026. CDS-I, dated 10 December 2025.This exam is conducted twice every year to recruit officers for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Men & Women) for courses commencing in January 2027 / April 2027. […]

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By Zenx H.P

Senior Correspondent

UPSC CDS I Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 450+ Vacancies

Job Opportunity Image

Table of Contents

  • 01 UPSC CDS I 2026 – Overview
  • 02 Nationality
  • 03 Age Limit (Academy-wise)
  • 04 Marital Status
  • 05 For IMA, INA & AFA
  • 06 For OTA (Men & Women)
  • 07 ➤ English
  • 08 ➤ General Knowledge
  • 09 ➤ Mathematics
  • 10 Q1. What is the last date to apply for CDS I 2026?
  • 11 Q2. What is the CDS I 2026 exam date?
  • 12 Q3. Who can apply for CDS?
  • 13 Q4. Is CDS conducted twice a year?
  • 14 Q5. Does CDS have negative marking?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) 2026 under Notice No. 04/2026. CDS-I, dated 10 December 2025.
This exam is conducted twice every year to recruit officers for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA (Men & Women) for courses commencing in January 2027 / April 2027.

The online application process for CDS I 2026 is open from 10 December 2025 to 30 December 2025 (6 PM) on the UPSC website.
The written exam will be held on 12 April 2026, followed by the SSB Interview for shortlisted candidates.


UPSC CDS I 2026 – Overview

Details Information
Recruiting Authority Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name Combined Defence Services (CDS I) 2026
Vacancies 450+ (Approx.)
Category All India Defence Exam
Apply Mode Online
Application Start 10 December 2025
Last Date to Apply 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM)
Exam Date 12 April 2026
Selection Process Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical

Important Dates – CDS 1 2026

Event Date
Notification Release 10 December 2025
Online Application Start 10 December 2025
Last Date to Apply 30 December 2025
Admit Card One week before exam
Exam Date 12 April 2026
Result 15–20 days after exam

CDS I 2026 Vacancies & Qualification

Course Vacancies Educational Qualification
Indian Military Academy (IMA) 100 Graduate in any discipline
Indian Naval Academy (INA) 26 B.E./B.Tech (Engineering)
Air Force Academy (AFA) 32 B.E./B.Tech OR Graduate with Physics & Maths at 12th
OTA (Men) 275 Graduation in any discipline
OTA (Women) 18 Graduation in any discipline

Total Vacancies: 450+ (Approx.)


Eligibility Criteria for CDS I 2026

Nationality

Candidate must be:

  • Indian Citizen
    OR

  • Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
    OR

  • Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)


Age Limit (Academy-wise)

Academy Age Limit
IMA 19–24 years
INA 19–22 years
AFA 19–24 years
OTA (Men/Women) 19–25 years

Marital Status

  • IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried males

  • OTA: Unmarried males & females


Application Fees

Category Fees
Gen/OBC ₹100/-
SC/ST/Females FREE

Payment Mode: Online


CDS I 2026 Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA & AFA

Subject Marks Duration
English 100 2 hrs
General Knowledge 100 2 hrs
Mathematics 100 2 hrs
Total 300 Marks

For OTA (Men & Women)

Subject Marks Duration
English 100 2 hrs
General Knowledge 100 2 hrs
Total 200 Marks

🔸 Objective type
🔸 Negative marking applicable
🔸 Maths paper only for IMA/INA/AFA


CDS Exam Syllabus (Quick Overview)

English

  • Spotting errors

  • Antonyms/Synonyms

  • Comprehension

  • Sentence improvement

  • Ordering of sentences

General Knowledge

  • Current affairs

  • Polity & History

  • Geography

  • Defence news

  • Economy

  • Physics/Chemistry/Biology basics

Mathematics

  • Arithmetic

  • Algebra

  • Geometry

  • Trigonometry

  • Mensuration

  • Statistics


CDS Selection Process

1️⃣ Written Exam
2️⃣ SSB Interview (Psychology + GTO + Interview)
3️⃣ Medical Examination
4️⃣ Final Merit List


How to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2026

  1. Visit upsc.gov.in

  2. Click CDS I 2026 Application

  3. Complete Part 1 Registration

  4. Upload documents, photo, signature

  5. Pay application fee

  6. Submit form & download print


🔗 Important Links

Link Click
CDS I 2026 Notification PDF CLICK HERE
CDS I 2026 Apply Online CLICK HERE

CDS I 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the last date to apply for CDS I 2026?

Ans :- 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM).

Q2. What is the CDS I 2026 exam date?

Ans :- April 2026.

Q3. Who can apply for CDS?

Ans :- Graduates and final-year students meeting age, qualification & marital status requirements.

Q4. Is CDS conducted twice a year?

Ans :-  Yes — CDS I (April) & CDS II (September).

Q5. Does CDS have negative marking?

Ans :-  Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for wrong answers.

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